Overcoming greed in business

Steve Lyston, Contributor

The world is now facing numerous problems including corruption, but the root of it is greed. But we cannot correct a situation without identifying the root. It can be excessive desires for food, wealth, sex, fame or power.

Mankind will do anything to acquire these things.

Greed is not an addiction it is a sin. It blinds one's vision and perverts the course of justice. It allows one to take bribes, despise the poor, murder, betray and lose loyalty. (Proverbs 21: 6; Proverbs 1: 19) Greed allows mankind to withhold knowledge and information, refuse to share and become selfish. (Luke 11: 52).

One of the reasons that the economy is not yet in a better position is greed. It causes individuals to increase prices; and even when the prices of oil and interest rates have fallen. Greed crosses all sectors - business, sports, politics, entertainment and even the church.

I have even seen where church leaders have refused to accept invitations to impart knowledge and deliverance to individuals and nations because of greed. They even refuse to attend if they are not going to be paid an excessive amount.

Greed allows nations to give away national assets below the true value; or award contracts to the wrong persons. That results in job losses and even murders and suicides.

Greed increases poverty, causes great suffering and many are now homeless because of it.

The Benefits of Reducing Greed

If there is a global reduction of greed we would see the economy bounce back rapidly. We would also see:

• Growth
• Prosperity
• Peace
• Justice
• Healing
• Joy
• Happiness

Poverty would decline and there would be more jobs and more opportunities. There would also be reduction in debt, crime and violence. However, there would be a significant increase in education, knowledge, investors, fair distribution of wealth.

It does not matter how much reformation takes place, unless we address the matter of greed, all reformation will fail.

When, for example, a person has worked for 40 years and their pension has been taken out every month, 12 months per year for 40 years - then they are entitled to get every cent of that pension. It is greed that would cause government institutions to stop payment of their pension the moment they die, because they have families that they worked to support, who should become the beneficiaries of their hard work.

It is greed that would cause financial institutions to foreclose on and auction people's property below the true value to personal associates and even family members; and in addition refuse to help homeowners by reducing their mortgage payments by a fraction.

How To Be Set Free From Greed

In order to conquer greed, one must engage in giving, and extending mercy and compassion. We have to practice the law of restitution - that means - we have to give back what was stolen by them through greed. (Exodus 22: 1; Numbers 5: 7)

When government extends waivers or tax reductions to businesses, they must extend it to the people below - their clients. (Matthew 18: 21)

Ensure that in business deals money, fame and power are not your sole priorities. Do some things free of charge - lectures, seminars and assist students with their school fees and some elderly with medical and/or legal bills.

Go into the homes for the elderly and give the residents free manicures, pedicures and facials.

Search in your homes and personal surroundings for any excess in good condition and give it to those less fortunate.

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Steve Lyston is a Biblical Economics Consultant and Author of several books, including End Time Finance and The New Millionaire.